Album review: ‘Shawn’ by Shawn Mendes

Shawn Mendes’ self-titled album, Shawn, marks a noticeable shift in his sound and songwriting. Moving away from his earlier pop hits, he embraces a more introspective approach, exploring themes of love, self-discovery, and vulnerability. While the album showcases a deeper side of Mendes, it sometimes feels more like a collection of universal observations rather than a uniquely personal statement.

The album opens with “Who I Am,” a track that sets the tone of the album with raw vulnerability. Mendes sings, “I don’t really know who I am right now,” offering listeners a glimpse into his emotional state. The minimalist production allows his voice to take center-stage. The track resonates with anyone who has grappled with uncertainty. It’s one of the album’s strongest moments, displaying emotional depth and authenticity.

But not all of the album’s tracks pack the same punch. “Why Why Why” is a folksy, introspective piece where Mendes questions life’s big mysteries. However, it never quite offers any answers or resolutions, leaving the listener in the same place they started. The repetitive lyrics and lack of emotional pay-off make the song feel somewhat underwhelming.

“That’s the Dream” takes on the complexities of love, with Mendes reflecting on the ups and downs of a tumultuous relationship. While the theme is relatable, the lyrics are somewhat vague, making it hard to fully connect with the story being told. The song lacks specificity. Instead of feeling like an intimate exploration of Mendes’ own love life, it comes off as a general observation about relationships.

One of the album’s clear highlights is “That’ll Be the Day.” This poignant track is where Mendes sings about how he’ll only let go of his lover when he dies. The clever, emotional lyricism is backed by a haunting vocal performance that conveys a sense of devotion and finality. It’s one of the few moments on the album where Mendes uses striking imagery, inventive lyrics, and a level of specificity that feels deeply personal. These elements make it one of the album’s most memorable tracks.

Despite these standout moments, Shawn struggles to fully reveal what makes this album uniquely Mendes. While themes of love, self-doubt, and personal growth are relatable, many of the tracks feel too general to give us the deep, personal insight that would make it feel like a truly diaristic project.

That said, Shawn is still a solid effort that shows Mendes maturing as both a songwriter and an artist. The album marks a shift toward emotional vulnerability and introspection, even if it doesn’t always go as deep as it could. Mendes is clearly experimenting with different sounds and exploring more complex themes, and it’s exciting to see him evolve. While Shawn doesn’t yet offer a fully realized picture of Mendes’ personal identity, it does hint at the potential for deeper, more unique work in the future.